The NCAA semifinals brought all the drama as Louisville Volleyball faced off against Pitt. The Cards delivered a jaw-dropping performance, securing their spot in the NCAA National Championship for only the second time ever after a gritty 21-25, 25-23, 29-27, 25-17 victory over Pittsburgh Volleyball. But something upsetting took place in the fourth set. Anna DeBeer, the team’s shining star, had to bow out early in the fourth set. What had happened?

Well, hometown hero DeBeer, who is basically Louisville royalty, hit the floor after what seemed to be an unfortunate collision with Phekran Kong. She was seen facedown on the floor, and her whole body shook as she sobbed. The thought of her last collegiate match ending this way was saddening.

However, the team had DeBeer’s back. “It was just so shocking to the point where we couldn’t really say nothing,” senior Charitie Luper said about DeBeer’s injury. “But our eyes did all the talking. We looked at each other, and we pretty much said, ‘I got you. I got you. I got you. We got this. We’re doing it for DeBo (DeBeer).’ So without verbally saying things I knew what everyone meant. That’s just how close we are, and that’s just how much we play for each other.”

Two U of L staffers rushed to DeBeer’s aid, helping her off the court with her arms draped over their shoulders, her right foot refusing to touch the ground. She made it to the bench, gingerly rested her foot, and then—still with the staffers—took those painful steps toward the locker room. And now, Louisville Volleyball’s coach has finally spilled the tea on DeBeer’s status and her availability for the NCAA Final.

Journalist Lincoln Arneal hopped onto X on December 20 to spill some tea about Anna DeBeer’s status, and oh boy, it has got everyone talking!

He wrote: “Dani Busboom Kelly said Anna DeBeer suffered an ankle injury in the semifinal match against Pitt and is day-to-day. “We’re going to do everything we can to get her on the court, but we do have a great team behind her. If she can’t go, we have some options,” she said.”

The head coach further stated, “… The extra day (of rest) gives us hope. I think if we were playing tomorrow, there’d be no hope.”

Now, Louisville volleyball is gearing up for the ultimate showdown, set to take on Penn State in the NCAA Finals on December 22. With the national title hanging in the balance, this high-stakes matchup is the talk of the town. And oh, let’s not forget—they’ve already crossed paths earlier this season on September 3, and their history only adds to the spice.

Penn State versus Louisville: The high-stakes final match!

On September 3, Louisville volleyball faced Penn State, and that game wasn’t quite what the Cards had in mind. Cara Cresse and Charitie Luper both had eight kills, but the Nittany Lions were louder, defeating Louisville 25-15, 25-19, 25-13 in Happy Valley.

It marked Louisville’s first sweep since 2022 when Texas handed them a similar fate in the NCAA Finals. History hasn’t exactly been kind to Louisville in this matchup—out of 10 showdowns since 1982, Penn State has claimed victory in eight games. Yikes!

Interesting Fact: A victory for Louisville would be huge. If they make this happen, Dani Busboom Kelly would become the first woman to win an NCAA Division I volleyball championship as a head coach. However, if Penn State takes the victory, HC Katie Schumacher-Cawley will walk away with this title.

But don’t count Louisville volleyball out just yet! They turned the tables in 2023 by defeating the Nittany Lions with the biggest margin they had ever achieved, 3-0, 25-17, 25-19, 25-16. Phekran Kong was a wall in that game with seven kills and four blocks, while Anna DeBeer was a queen of double-double with 10 kills, 11 digs, and a block. That performance sent a clear message: When Louisville’s on fire, they’re unstoppable.

Now, with the NCAA Finals on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Cards are seeking redemption, history, and that precious national championship trophy. Penn State might have the upper hand in the record books, but Louisville volleyball’s got heart, hustle, and a lot to prove. This showdown is set to bring all the heat, so grab your volleys—it’s going to be a battle for the ages!